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Recent reports suggest that Syria’s restructured armed forces now include several foreign Islamist fighters in senior positions. This development comes after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group now governing Syria, took control following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
While the new leadership has not officially confirmed these appointments, the move is already sparking concerns both domestically and internationally about the influence of radicalized foreign militants in shaping Syria’s future.
According to Syrian sources, of the nearly 50 military appointments recently announced, at least six are believed to have gone to foreigners. Based on the released names, the appointees reportedly include Chinese Uyghurs, a Jordanian, and a Turkish national, all assuming high-ranking roles such as colonels or brigadier generals.
The involvement of foreign fighters in Syria’s civil war has been a contentious issue. Thousands of combatants from various nations joined the conflict, initially rallying against Assad’s regime when anti-government protests escalated into armed clashes. Many fighters aligned with factions like the Islamic State, which seized control of significant eastern territories.
Critics of HTS have long alleged that the group is dominated by foreign jihadists—a claim leveraged by Assad’s regime to undermine HTS’s legitimacy during its decisive campaign to seize power. However, HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, now Syria’s de facto leader, had previously distanced his group from foreign fighters, emphasizing a nationalist identity over jihadist ties.
Since assuming power, Al-Sharaa has consistently advocated for a unified Syria that respects and includes all communities. However, the integration of prominent foreign fighters into senior military roles raises questions about whether his actions align with his rhetoric.
These appointments are reportedly a way to honor foreign and local fighters who were instrumental in HTS’s victory over the Assad regime. Additionally, there are indications that some remaining foreign fighters and their families may be granted Syrian citizenship.
This issue adds to the challenges facing Syria as it seeks to transition to a stable political and social framework. The new government is planning a National Dialogue Conference aimed at uniting representatives from all segments of society to rebuild the nation’s fractured institutions, though a date for the event has yet to be announced.
Observers are watching closely to see how these developments will shape Syria’s path toward reconstruction and reconciliation.